Daily Monitor
WHICH OIL CAN HELP MY NOISY AND LEAKY CAR ENGINE?
Hello Paul, which engine oil do you recommend for a 22-year-old petrol engine? I used to use a multi-grade mineral oil but I changed to mono grade. Due to a suspected reduction in the oil level, the sound of the engine changed and also got early morning issues of slow start and strange sounds. Please advise. Patrick
Hello Patrick, your problem is not the choice of engine oil between mono grade and multi-grade. Your engine is leaking oil internally. You need to get a compression test from a garage with a compression tester.
Daily Monitor
Why is my heater not working?
Hello Paul, my AC works perfectly but the heater does not. What could be the cause of the breakdown?
Tony
Hello Tony, did you know that hot coolant is used to heat up your car ventilation? A breakdown of one of the ventilation heating components that help to channel this coolant around the vents can cause a no heat condition.
There are a couple of components you need an AC technician to investigate. These include a blocked heater core, bad heater control valve or a broken down air door actuator, which is ordinarily used to select cold or hot air for the ventilation system. A qualified car AC technician should know how to test the heater core unit for blockage by running water through it.
Daily Monitor
My car does not pump fuel properly
Hello Paul, my Mercedes Benz 230E does not pump fuel properly. Even if there is enough fuel, at times it behaves as if it has run out. What could be the problem?
Lydia
Hello Lydia, it is always useful to start with the basics. Have you replaced your fuel filter since your car’s fuel system started failing? If you haven’t, it may have damaged your fuel pump. However, before you replace the fuel pump, make sure the fuel lines from the pump are not damaged or leaking. A computer diagnosis does not harm, to confirm that an engine management sensor like the crank angle sensor is not faulty.
Daily Monitor
Thursday January 07 2021
Summary
Variable valve timing (VVT) technology was developed and employed by car manufacturers over the last two decades
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Mike
Mike, the variable timing control actuator is the same as the variable valve timing solenoid. Different car manufacturers and technicians use either of the expressions to mean the same thing. Variable valve timing (VVT) technology was developed and employed by car manufacturers over the last two decades to achieve the most fuel efficient and peak performance of an engine.
The VVT system uses electronic signals from the engine ignition system, in response to changing engine load or driver demand, to continuously adjust or vary the angle or lift of air intake valves. It is like adjusting your charcoal cooking stove air vent door to vary the intensity of the fire in order to regulate efficiency of heat and charcoal management.
My wheels shake at speeds between 80-100Km/h
Thursday December 31 2020
Summary
Common symptoms of out of balance wheels is vibration of the steering at speeds between 80-100kph, uneven tyre tread wear as well as poor fuel economy.
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Hello Paul, my car front wheels shake at speeds between 80-100kph. I have carried out a wheel alignment but the problem persists. What can I do? Nakimuli.
Hello Nakimuli, when your car’s wheels shake at speeds between 80-100kph and occasionally evens out at higher speeds, you most likely will need to balance the wheels. Visit a reputable tyre centre and have the wheels inspected for damage of rims or uneven tyre tread wear. Thereafter, have each of the tyres balanced. Every wheel on your car must be balanced to ensure smooth rotation.